IDF arrests two Israeli journalists for entering West Bank

Two Israeli journalists were detained on Monday at an IDF checkpoint near the West Bank city of Tulkarm after entering Palestinian-controlled areas of the West Bank without a permit, and then allegedly spitting at and cursing soldiers who detained them.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed two Israeli citizens were taken into police custody, but declined to reveal their identities.

The NRG news site identified the two as Haaretz’s Gideon Levy and photographer Alex Levac. Police took the two in for questioning at a station in the West Bank settlement of Ariel.

Israeli citizens are not permitted to enter “Area A,” areas in the West Bank under Palestinian security control, without a permit from the army. The rules were instituted in the wake of the violence of the Second Intifada in 2000.

Army Radio reported Monday the two were released from police custody after posting their own bail, but did not specify the terms of their release.

Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the incident.